Abstract

A shortcut review was carried out to establish whether intravenous glucagon is a safe and effective treatment for patients with suspected lower oesophageal food bolus impaction. Seven studies were directly relevant to the question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. The clinical bottom line is that there is no evidence for the effectiveness of glucagon in this situation. Its use may be associated with adverse effects such as vomiting, with the potential risk of oesophageal perforation. Intravenous glucagon should therefore be avoided.